SWFWMD ADOPTS FFVA CHANGES IN SWUCA PLAN

After more than two years of negotiation and revision, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Governing Board approved the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) Recovery Strategy document April 25, but not before including revisions recommended by FFVA and other grower organizations.

The plan is designed to restore lake levels, increase stream flows, and reduce the rate of saltwater intrusion in the 5,100 square mile area, while ensuring that water supplies are adequate to meet growing demand.

The Recovery Strategy relies heavily on improved water conservation, major water supply development projects, and land use changes that will reduce groundwater pumping.

Limited changes to the district’s water use rules are also included as part of this strategy and will be published May 12. The public comment period will remain open until June 2, and the new rules should be effective in January 2007.

While FFVA has been closely involved in the development of the Recovery Strategy and associated SWUCA rules for the past two years, last-minute changes proposed by district staff in response to comments submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were unveiled just hours before the April 25 Governing Board meeting. After a quick review of the new language, FFVA, along with two other grower organizations, opposed specific elements related to the use of alternative sources and the provision of standby groundwater permits.

After some discussion, the Governing Board agreed to add language that would obligate the district to inform applicants for alternative sources of their right to receive a standby permit. Without such a requirement, some applicants could end up without a standby permit.

The board also agreed to add “economic, technical, and environmental infeasibility” to a list of criteria that will allow a permit holder to switch from an alternative source back to a traditional groundwater source covered by a standby permit. Without this addition, a grower could be forced to continue using an alternative source that has, for some reason, become infeasible.

FFVA will continue to monitor this effort. For further information, Members may contact the Government Affairs Office at (850) 510-9494.